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This week on Kickstarter Tuesdays, let’s talk about two more projects from Alabama that you need to support!

Ferroflow

Every now and then you need a little distraction from staring at your monitor for hours on end, and Ferroflow is your answer! Just touch it to turn it on and enjoy the display as it moves ferrofluid around in cool and unique ways, automatically. The spikes and fluid motions will provide just the break you’re looking for, and good luck keeping your coworkers away. This display is smaller than Ferroflow but still showcases the cool properties of ferrofluid and is very fun to play with. It comes with 2 magnets and free US shipping.

They first discovered ferrofluid several years ago and immediately knew that they had to find a way to showcase it in a desktop display. It’s a unique black magnetic liquid created by NASA that reacts in very cool ways when exposed to magnetic fields. They started designing prototypes to showcase this amazing substance in the best way possible and spent over a year perfecting the design and patent pending technology to make it happen. Ferroflow is the first fully automatic ferrofluid display, and to turn it on or off you simply touch any part on the top half. When it’s on you can turn the knob to adjust the speed of the movements from slow to fast, and even when it’s off you can still turn the knob to move the ferrofluid manually. It’s truly a work of art that has to be seen in person to appreciate it.

As of September 8th, this Kickstarter project has raised around $18,000 of the $15,000 goal they need to be funded. And as you know in Kickstarter, a project is not funded until the fundraising goal is reached! This project only has 15 days left to raise as much as it can! For a pledge of $35, you will get one mini Ferrofluid display. For a pledge of $220, you will get one Ferroflow display. To learn more and to pledge money, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ferroflow/ferroflow-automatic-ferrofluid-sculpture

A Dog Named Gucci Final Distribution

A DOG NAMED GUCCI is a feature-length documentary that looks at animal abuse laws in the United States, told through the compelling story of one determined man and one lovable dog who made it their mission to change the laws in their state. The film is complete and they have just signed a few amazing distribution deals which will be bringing A Dog Named Gucci to every distribution portal both in the United States and abroad. In April 2016 you will be able to purchase the deluxe DVD, or watch the film on your favorite streaming platforms, and more.

Also in April 2016 you will be hearing about Gucci everywhere…because of both the film and the very special musical anthem which closes the film. A song recorded by some very famous animal-loving rock stars. The song has already been picked up for some major distribution, and we promise it will rock your world. Because the DVD will not be mastered until January, there is still time to get your name in the end credits, to become an Associate or Executive Producer, or to have a memorial for your pet in the end credits. Show the world how much you care!

The funds raised during this Kickstarter campaign will go towards the final post-production items necessary to hand the film over to the distributors. Things like color correction, insurance, and a new 2-minute trailer. A DOG NAMED GUCCI is a feature-length documentary which looks at animal abuse and abuse laws in the United States by telling the story of a 10-week old puppy named Gucci who was hung by his neck, punched repeatedly, doused with lighter fluid, and set afire. That should have been his last contact with humans. His final moments of life.

But Doug James, standing on his porch nearby, heard the puppy’s cries and ran to help. He scared away the cowardly thugs who had perpetrated this heinous crime, and at the request of Gucci’s 15-year-old runaway owner, took the dog in for the night. Thus began a 16-year odyssey of devotion and perseverance.

When Gucci was rescued by Doug, it seemed impossible that the badly burned pup would make it through the night. But Gucci, a Chow-Husky mix, would live for sixteen years as Doug’s companion. As Gucci recovered, Doug did everything in his power to see that the dog’s three assailants were punished. However, the laws in Alabama were not on Gucci’s side. At worst the guilty would receive slaps on the wrists. That was not enough in the eyes of Doug James.

Together with local legislators, and with Gucci always faithfully by his side, Doug would see the “Gucci Bill” passed, changing the laws in Alabama and making domestic animal abuse a felony. He would witness Gucci go from being a survivor . . . to a rock star. Gucci’s story captivated the state of Alabama in the mid-90s. And now, when every other day a new tale of outrageous animal abuse pops up on the news or on Facebook, they present a story that will captivate animal lovers everywhere and show that one person can make a difference. Especially when they have a tail-chasing pup by their side.

A DOG NAMED GUCCI brings the amazing story of Gucci and Doug James to life. They interviewed Doug, Shauna (Gucci’s original owner), and everyone else involved with the case: from the doctors and veterinarians who helped Gucci recover, to the legislators who helped Doug and Gucci change the virtually non-existent abuse laws in Alabama. By also including the abuse cases of Nitro, Susie, and Louie Vuitton, A DOG NAMED GUCCI examines the bigger picture of domestic animal abuse in America (think of it as a “Waiting For Superman” about animal abuse), the laws in every state, and what you can do to help change them.

As of September 8th, this Kickstarter project has raised around $2,000 of the $7,500 goal they need to be funded. And as you know in Kickstarter, a project is not funded until the fundraising goal is reached! This project only has 30 days left to raise the $7,500 or it will not be funded! For a pledge of $25, you will get a digital download of the score for the film. For a pledge of $50, you will get a signed DVD of A Dog Named Gucci. To learn more and to pledge money, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gormanbechard/a-dog-named-gucci-the-final-road-to-distribution

This week on Kickstarter Tuesdays, I am talking about a documentary film and a product to keep your glasses in place!

A Dog Named Gucci – Sound Mix And Music Score

A Dog Named Gucci is a feature-length documentary that looks at animal abuse laws in the United States, told through the compelling story of one determined man and one lovable dog who made it their mission to change the laws in their state. All of the interviews for the film have been shot. They have collected an amazing number of original artifacts, clippings, and video from Gucci’s life. Editing is just about complete. So now they need to prepare for the final stages of post production: the sound mix and scoring.

The funds raised during this Kickstarter campaign will go towards the mix in NYC. This is where they make every audio clip sound as if it were recorded in a studio, and not in someone’s house, with traffic noises outside. Also…they have to record the score for the film. And…they have something very special in mind for the song that will play over the end credits. Think of it as a We Are The World for animals! But they need publishing rights and studio time. (If this happens, it will bring A LOT of attention to our film.) The money raised for A Dog Named Gucci will go towards paying for the mix, the score, and music rights. They are asking for $10,000 which is the minimum they need.

A refresher of the story! A Dog Named Gucci is a feature-length documentary which looks at animal abuse and abuse laws in the United States by telling the story of a 10-week old puppy named Gucci who was hung by his neck, punched repeatedly, doused with lighter fluid, and set afire. That should have been his last contact with humans. His final moments of life. But Doug James, standing on his porch nearby, heard the puppy’s cries and ran to help . He scared away the cowardly thugs who had perpetrated this heinous crime, and at the request of Gucci’s 15-year-old runaway owner, took the dog in for the night. Thus began a 16-year odyssey of devotion and perseverance.

When Gucci was rescued by Doug, it seemed impossible that the badly burned pup would make it through the night. But Gucci, a Chow-Husky mix, would live for sixteen years as Doug’s companion. As Gucci recovered, Doug did everything in his power to see that the dog’s three assailants were punished . However, the laws in Alabama were not on Gucci’s side. At worst the guilty would receive slaps on the wrists. That was not enough in the eyes of Doug James. Together with local legislators, and with Gucci always faithfully by his side, Doug would see the “Gucci Bill” passed, changing the laws in Alabama and making domestic animal abuse a felony. He would witness Gucci go from being a survivor . . . to a rock star.

Gucci’s story captivated the state of Alabama in the mid-90’s. And now, when every other day a new tale of outrageous animal abuse pops up on the news or on Facebook, they present a story that will captivate animal lovers everywhere and show that one person can make a difference. Especially when they have a tail-chasing pup by their side. A Dog Named Gucci brings the amazing story of Gucci and Doug James to life. They interviewed Doug, Shauna (Gucci’s original owner), and everyone else involved with the case: from the doctors and veterinarians who helped Gucci recover, to the legislators who helped Doug and Gucci change the virtually non-existent abuse laws in Alabama.

By also including the abuse cases of Nitro, Susie, and Louie Vuitton, A Dog Named Gucci examines the bigger picture of domestic animal abuse in America (think of it as a “Waiting For Superman” about animal abuse), the laws in every state, and what you can do to help change them. As of April 22nd, this Kickstarter project has raised around $4,522 of the $15,000 goal they need to be funded. And as you know in Kickstarter, a project is not funded until the fundraising goal is reached! This project only has 28 days left to reach the $15,000 goal. For a pledge of $12, you will get A Dog Named Gucci vinyl bumpersticker measuring 8 inches by 2.5 inches plus updates and a special thanks listing. For a pledge of $35, you will get a signed DVD screener of A Dog Named Gucci months before it’s available commercially plus updates and a special thanks listing. To learn more about A Dog Named Gucci and to pledge money, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gormanbechard/a-dog-named-gucci-sound-mix-and-music-score-editio

Nerdwax is a beeswax based blend of All Natural and Certified Organic ingredients specially formulated to keep your glasses in place. Finally… a simple and effective way to keep your glasses from sliding down your nose. Nerdwax is super simple and can be used in 3 easy steps! One, wipe off residue on your glasses. Two, Apply Nerdwax to the bridge of your glasses. And three, wear as Nerdwax wears off over time!

They love the Kickstarter community and think it’s the perfect place to launch Nerdwax. They need to raise enough money for the first ever production run of Nerdwax! Their Friends & Family have been enjoying the benefits of Nerdwax for a few years now, on both prescription eyewear and sunglasses, Now they are excited to share it with you! They have already secured the sourcing for all materials and ordered test quantities to ensure the quality of all ingredients and packaging. Although this will be the first large-scale production run of Nerdwax; they have been making, packaging and shipping small quantities for a few years now, and they are confident in their ability to deliver the offered rewards to their backers as promised!

They have estimated this Kickstarter will allow them to do a first run between 1,000 and 5,000 tubes but they also want to be prepared for any unforeseen challenges, or quantities greater than 5,000, so just to be safe they have given theirselves margin on both Stage 1 and Stage 2 delivery estimates. Whatever happens, if they hit their goal or Nerdwax is an internet sensation and they raise more money than the pebble watch… they want you to know that they are dedicated to making sure you are in the know from the time you pledge to the first time you apply Nerdwax to your favorite glasses.

As of April 22nd, this Kickstarter project has raised around $45,685 of the $5,000 goal they need to be funded. And as you know in Kickstarter, a project is not funded until the fundraising goal is reached! This project only has 11 days left to raise as much as it can! For a pledge of $10, you will get one tube of Nerdwax within Stage 2 delivery. For a pledge of $75, you will get three tubes of Nerdwax within Stage 1 delivery plus the Nerdwax Limited Edition Keeper. To learn more about Nerdwax and to pledge money, go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/donhejny/nerdwax-it-keeps-your-glasses-up

I really do not know what is going on over at the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark, but killing numerous perfectly healthy animals for no reason is extremely rotten. A few weeks ago, a healthy giraffe named Marius was killed to avoid inbreeding, really? The most disturbing part was the giraffe’s carcass was dismembered in front of people visiting the zoo including small kids. Way to go scaring the kids for life Copenhagen Zoo! Then the carcass from the giraffe was fed to the lions. Here is a great story about this, the video does contain some images of the dead giraffe.

First off, why were school children watching the giraffe being cut up? I think that is way too cruel and it will give those kids some nightmares. Yes, zoos have to sometimes put an animal down because of health problems, it happens all the time. But if an animal has to be put down, it should be away from the public! In nature, other animals does kill an animal for food, I see this on TV all the time. But you don’t show images like that to small kids, that is wrong! Two, some zoos were wanting to adopt the giraffe, but the zoo still killed the giraffe. Seriously, in the video above, the zoo director said the giraffe autopsy and cutting it up in front of the public was a good thing? Families go to the zoo to learn about the animals and to look at them, not watch a dead animal being cut up.

And guess what, if killing a perfectly healthy giraffe and feeding it to the lions does not get your blood boiling, the same zoo killed those lions to make way for a new male lion. What! Did the zoo not hear the massive public outcry when it killed that giraffe? The zoo killed four lions just so they can bring in a new lion. The zoo said two of those were young lions that were not old enough to survive by themselves and would have been killed by the new male lion if it had the chance. Okay, so then why did the zoo not move these lions to a different area of the zoo? The other two lions are the youngsters parents and were a very old breeding pair. Why are they putting down perfectly healthy older animals? It’s almost like putting down your senior dog or cat because they are too old, even if those pets could still move around and were healthy. Thankfully, Jack Hanna thinks this is wrong as well!

My thought, If zoos have too many animals, stop breeding them! Have zoos ever heard of contraception or spaying/neutering? Many pet owners will spay or neuter their pets to prevent the overpopulation of dogs and cats. Zoos should not be mating animals to produce more animals that they don’t have room for, that is unethical and wrong! Some people have called for all zoos to be closed, and I don’t agree with these people. If all zoos closed tomorrow, where are the animals going to go? You can not release all of the zoo animals back into the wild, if that happened, it would become a buffet dinner to the wild animals because the zoo animals would have no clue on how to survive in the wild.

If zoos are trapping wild animals just to display them and make money, that needs to stop as well. Some people have said zoos are only open to make money, and I think that is far from the truth. Many animals from zoos have been born and raised in a protected environment. And there are many zoos and wildlife sanctuaries who care about their animals, teach the public about the animals, and would not kill any animals unless they are suffering. Zoos also helps animals from the wild who are injured and makes sure wild animals recover and they are sent back out into the wild, not kept in a zoo. If a zoo is only open to make money, they need to be closed down, plain and simple.

The people who run the Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark needs to be fired from their jobs. You should not kill any animals unless they are suffering, end of story! If a zoo kills another animal for any other reason other than to end suffering, that zoo needs to be closed down and not allowed to operate. The Copenhagen Zoo is an exception to the many other zoos and wildlife sanctuaries around the world and here in America who actually care for the animals. These people at the Copenhagen Zoo have a really bizarre outlook on being the caretakers of exotic animals. They should not be allowed to care for animals ever again! And the Copenhagen Zoo needs to be closed down for good, end of story! Visit the Close Copenhagen Zoo Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/closecopenhagenzoo

For this Good News Fridays post, I wanted to talk about a special Kickstarter project about a special dog here in Alabama who was abused by his owners. Filmmaker Gorman Bechard wants to talk about Gucci and his impact to the State of Alabama. But he needs the help from people like you to make the documentary film! Here is the Kickstarter video!

A Dog Named Gucci is the story of a puppy set on fire and the man who rescued him. Together they changed Alabama’s abuse laws. At ten weeks old, Gucci was hung by his neck, punched repeatedly, doused with lighter fluid, and set afire. That should have been the last thing a ten-week old puppy named Gucci would ever experience. His last contact with humans. His final moments of life.

But Doug James, standing on his porch nearby, heard the puppy’s cries and ran to help. He scared away the cowardly thugs who had perpetrated this heinous crime, and at the request of Gucci’s 15-year-old runaway owner, took the dog in for the night. Thus began a 16-year odyssey of devotion and perseverance.

When Gucci was rescued by Doug, it seemed impossible that the badly burned pup would make it through the night. But Gucci, a Chow-Husky-mix, would live for sixteen years as Doug’s companion. As Gucci recovered, Doug did everything in his power to see that the dog’s three assailants were punished. However, the laws in Alabama were not on Gucci’s side. At worst the guilty would receive slaps on the wrists. That was not enough in the eyes of Doug James.

From Dogster.

Together with local legislators, and with Gucci always faithfully by his side, Doug would see the “Gucci Bill” passed, changing the laws in Alabama and making domestic animal abuse a felony. He would witness Gucci go from being a survivor . . . to a rock star. Gucci’s story captivated the state of Alabama in the mid-90s. And now, when every other day a new tale of outrageous animal abuse pops up on the news or on Facebook, they are going to make it a story that captivates the world. They are going to show that one person can make a difference. Especially when they have a tail-chasing pup by their side.

A Dog Named Gucci is a feature-length documentary that is bringing the amazing story of Gucci and Doug James to life: from that horrible night of abuse, to the numerous operations to repair Gucci’s severely burned eyelids, to the legislation passed in his name to help prevent such a thing from ever happening again.

Gorman Bechard has already interviewed Doug, Gucci’s human companion for all of those sixteen post-trauma years. They have also interviewed almost everyone else involved with the case: from John Crowder who paid all of Gucci’s vet bills, to the veterinarians who helped Gucci recover, to the investigators who worked the case, to the legislators who helped Doug and Gucci change the virtually non-existent abuse laws in Alabama.

From Dogster.

But beyond Gucci, the film will also examine the bigger picture of domestic animal abuse in America, and the laws in every state. (Think of it as a “Waiting For Superman” about animal abuse.) They are also choosing six other abuse cases to help them illustrate the problems. Thus far the stories of Susie from North Carolina, Queenie from Long Island, and Desmond from Connecticut will also be included in the film.

The money you donate to A Dog Named Gucci will go towards paying for (among other things): transportation and lodging expenses so they can travel to other parts of the country to film the other subjects they will be including in the film, as well as a few additional Gucci interviews with people who were no longer in Alabama. Beyond that they will need a sound mix, color correction, and those pesky film festival submission fees. They are asking for $5000 which is the minimum they need to shoot the additional interviews. They are finding stories that are leading them to other dogs, rescue groups, hero judges and prosecutors, and human companions across the country. So the more they raise the more they can broaden the scope of the film.

As of September 20th, this Kickstarter project has raised $2,300 of their $5,000 goal. And as you know in Kickstarter, a project is not funded unless the fundraising goal is reached. This project has 9 days left to raise the $5,000 goal or they will not be funded! For a pledge of $10, you will get an official A Dog Named Gucci vinyl bumper sticker plus updates! For a pledge of $30, you will get a signed DVD screener of A Dog Named Gucci months before it’s available commercially, plus updates! There are also many other great pledge levels you can choose from!

The opera performance by Charlotte and Jonathan blew away the entire audience. And it has now gone viral all over the world. Let’s face it. No one thought these two had any talent in them and the judges were ready to push those buttons. But first looks should not be judged by anyone. I do hope these two get very far in the competition. They are already winners and have great careers ahead.

Fiona the Dog

This video shows rescue workers finding a dog abandoned by someone in southern California. The people discovered the dog was blind and had a flea infestation. But the story gets much better. The dog was taken to the vet and had surgery to have the dog see again in one eye. The results show one very happy dog! I do hope whoever abandoned the dog is found and put in jail!